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• Removing vinyl flooring with asbestos backing
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Removing vinyl flooring with asbestos backing

Hi--can anyone provide advice/recommendations for removing vinyl flooring with asbestos backing? It is in a bottom layer of 1960s vinyl covered by a 1980s layer, so we can't add another layer up. A flooring company says the underlayment underneath it all should be removed, rather than simply "scraping up" the vinyl; removing the underlayment seems like it would release fewer asbestos fibers anyway. An estimate for a full abatement was shockingly expensive--over $3500 and 2 days of work for 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. Is there some less expensive procedure that will work, other than a full abatement? Any specific names of contractors or companies you've used, with feedback? Thanks. There is nothing in the archives about this other than a mention that asbestos can exist in vinyl flooring. cst